Hyundai Auto Canada Announces Appointment of Fabio Cappella as Director

Hyundai Auto Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Fabio Cappella as director, product & corporate strategy, following the retirement of long-time automotive leader, Michael Ricciuto.

Fabio Cappella brings more than 20 years of automotive industry experience, including over 14 years with Hyundai Auto Canada, where he has held several progressively senior roles across sales operations, Genesis sales, and corporate strategy. Most recently serving as national manager, corporate strategy, he has played a key role in strengthening organizational governance and implementing processes that support executive decision-making and business performance.

Throughout his tenure, Cappella has built a strong reputation for cross-functional leadership, analytical discipline, and strategic insight—contributing meaningfully to Hyundai Auto Canada’s continuous year-over-year growth and evolving product vision. In his new role, he will report to Steve Flamand, president and CEO, and will lead the product and corporate strategy function, overseeing product planning, long-term business strategy, and key corporate initiatives for Hyundai and Genesis in Canada.

“It’s a privilege to take on this role and build on the strong foundation established over the past decade,” said Fabio Cappella. “Hyundai and Genesis are backed by a highly competitive, award-winning portfolio that continues to resonate with Canadian customers. With an exciting pipeline of new products and innovations on the horizon, I look forward to working closely with the team to further strengthen our product lineup, advance our strategic priorities, and deliver vehicles that exceed customer expectations.”

“Fabio’s appointment reflects his deep expertise, strategic mindset, and proven ability to lead across the organization,” said Steve Flamand, president and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada. “He has played an important role in shaping our product and corporate strategy, and I am confident he will continue to build on that success as we strengthen our position in the Canadian market. I would also like to thank Michael for his outstanding leadership and many contributions over the years, which have helped position Hyundai and Genesis for long-term success.”

A well-deserved retirement for Michael Ricciuto

As part of this leadership transition, Hyundai Auto Canada also announces the retirement of Michael Ricciuto, whose last working day was May 29, 2026.

Since joining Hyundai Auto Canada in 2010, Ricciuto has made a lasting impact on the organization, helping shape its long-term strategic direction and contributing to several of its most significant milestones. Known for his thoughtful and holistic approach, he consistently encouraged teams to evaluate challenges from multiple perspectives, enabling informed and effective decision-making.

Among his many accomplishments, Ricciuto played a key role in expanding the product planning organization by introducing the Corporate Strategy function in 2014—an initiative that continues to support Hyundai’s growth today. He also led one of the company’s most transformative initiatives in Canada: the development and launch of the Genesis brand. As Genesis’ inaugural director, he was instrumental in establishing the brand and pioneering its agency model in Canada, delivered within an exceptionally short timeframe in a highly competitive luxury segment.

Ricciuto’s leadership, vision, and commitment have left a lasting legacy at Hyundai Auto Canada and Genesis Motors Canada—one that continues to shape the organization today.

As he begins this next chapter after more than four decades in the automotive industry, Hyundai Auto Canada extends its sincere gratitude for his dedication and leadership, and wishes him a rewarding and well-deserved retirement.